In what has become arguably, one of the most interesting derby games in England, especially since the huge injection of cash into Manchester City, making them a billionaire club with an almost bottom-less pit, the Manchester derby has provided some of the most entertaining football matches of the last decade.
In total, there have been 194 competitive games between the two clubs and the head-to-head record is closer than you may think. Read on to find out who is currently coming out on top.
H2H Record
| – | Total | Manchester City | Manchester United | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Games | 194 | 61 | 79 | 54 |
| Total Score | 550 | 274 | 276 | – |
| First Division | 104 | 30 | 35 | 39 |
| Second Division | 12 | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Premier League | 54 | 20 | 25 | 9 |
| FA Cup | 11 | 4 | 7 | 0 |
| League Cup | 10 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| FA Community Shield | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Up to the end of the 2023/24 season, including Community Shield 2024
The Best City United Games
| Year | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2001/02 | Draw | 1-1 |
| 2008/09 | Manchester United | 2-0 |
| 2011/12 | Manchester City | 6-1 |
| 2012/13 | Manchester City | 2-1 |
| 2017/18 | Manchester United | 3-1 |
| 2022/23 | Manchester City | 6-3 |
There have been some sensational goals during this time, in addition to significant controversy and epic moments. Indeed, this is a fixture that has been littered with some of the best players to ever feature in the Premier League over the last few decades, including for both teams.
Below we have taken a look at some of the biggest games since Manchester City became bankrolled by billionaires, with an exception which was probably one of the biggest talking points of the fixture during the early 2000s.
2001/02 Premier League
In a clash that became known as the ‘Keane vs Haaland’ clash, this was notorious for Manchester United midfielder, Roy Keane’s act of revenge against City’s Alf Inge Haaland, who broke his leg, effectively ending his career. Keane admitted later that the challenge was deliberate, after the Norweigan had previously tried to do the same.
Meanwhile, despite Teddy Sheringham’s first half opener, United could not secure all three points and it was actually Haaland who grabbed the equaliser before his game was then cut short.
2008/09 Premier League
A dominant 2-0 win at Old Trafford for an irrepressible Manchester United side, secured all three points for the Red Devils, as City could not find any answers. With the game being played amidst emotional tributes to the Munich air disaster, Cristiano Ronaldo’s impressive free-kick opened proceedings, before Argentine, Carlos Tevez doubled their lead with an excellent finish.
2011/12 Premier League
Arguably the biggest City win of the last few decades, the Citizens dominated Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils in a 6-1 slaughter in their own backyard. The away side boasted a vast array of attacking talent, demonstrated by the goalscorers. Both Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko bagged a brace apiece, while Sergio Aguero and David Silva both found the net as well. By the time Darren Fletcher scored for the home side in the 81st minute, it looked like there could be a glimmer of hope after pulling the game back to 3-1, however, City responded in ruthless fashion.
The game became known for yet another of controversial City striker, Balotelli’s antics, after his infamous W‘hy Always Me?’ celebration for his opening goal.
2012/13 Premier League
Aguero had a habit of thwarting Manchester United often, after his dramatic late winner against QPR a season earlier grabbed the title out of their hands in the last second of the final day. A few months later, he was up to his old tricks again, with a sensational winner, weaving though the United defence to slam past goalkeeper David De Gea. Prior to this, James Milner opened the scoring for the away side, before a Vincent Kompany own goal gave United hope. It wasn’t to be with City earning a 2-1 win.
2017/18 Premier League
In another entertaining clash between the two sides, which effectively halted the Premier League title celebrations for Manchester City, as United spoiled their plans. A 3-2 victory saw the home side come from being 2-0 down at half-time with an excellent second-half performance.
It was Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gundogan who scored two in five first half minutes that gave the visitors an impressive lead, however this unravelled midway through the second period. An impressive quick-fire double from Frenchman Paul Pogba and a goal from Chris Smalling capped an important win for United.
2022/23 Premier League
Possibly the most entertaining clash of the modern day Premier League era saw a goal-fest at the Etihad Stadium, in a game that finished 6-3 to the eventual champions. Indeed, the game was effectively over at half-time with the scoreline standing at 4-0 and very little hope for the visitors.
There were two impressive hattricks from both Erling Haaland (in his debut season) and Phil Foden (in his breakthrough season), while Antony and a brace from Frenchman Anthony Martial gave United a glimmer of hope in the second half.